Elementary

The Adventures of Billie BAHA and her Super HEARo friends!

Jessica Jordan-Hogan

I‘m so glad you came by. My name is Billie. I‘m four years old and I am also Hard of Hearing. I have bilateral hearing loss due to Microtia. Microtia is a congenital condition of a little or missing outer ear. I wear my BAHA to be able to hear the world around me.

I go to a school with all my other friends that are also Deaf or Hard of Hearing, but they don‘t all wear BAHAs to hear like me. Some of my friends wear behind the ear hearing aids or cochlear implants. I even have one friend that does not wear anything to hear, but we all have one thing in common....we are all SUPER HEARo‘s!

My superpowers are kindness and acceptance. Together we will discover communication repair strategies, self-advocacy, and how to bring everyone‘s differences together!

All the Ways I Hear You

Stephanie Marrufo

"All the Ways I Hear You" first introduces our young hard of hearing narrator, Sy, and his neat hearing aids. From there, Sy goes on to introduce his diverse group of friends who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind and their own hearing technology and communication styles, like cochlear implants, bone anchored hearing systems, communication boards/tablets and sign language. The book also introduces other children in familial and support roles, namely a hearing sibling and a child of deaf adults.

Boy

Phil Cummings

The king’s battles with the dragon were always mighty and loud. Boy lived in silence and couldn’t hear the fighting. But Boy could see the fear around him… and how everyone would be much happier without it.

Reading Guide

Come Over to My House

Eliza Hull and Sally Rippin

A cast of friendly characters invite friends over for a play – there’s fun to be had, food to eat and families to meet!

Come over to my house. Come over and play!
I’ll show you around, you can stay the whole day.
We’ll swing on the swing-set and splash in the pool.
Then I’ll race you inside where my bedroom is cool.

Dachy’s Deaf

Jack Hughes

Dachy wears a hearing aid. But sometimes, when his friends get too noisy, he likes to turn it off to get some peace and quiet. One day, when his hearing aid is off, Dachy falls asleep and ends up floating down the river towards a waterfall and a hungry crocodile. Can his friends rescue him in time? Read and approved by The National Deaf Children‘s Society, this gentle story shows children that everyone is different and might have difficult situations to deal with, but with love and support they can get through anything.

Dad and Me in the Morning

Patricia Lakin

Early one morning, a young boy wakes to the light of his alarm clock. He puts on his hearing aids and clothes, then goes to wake his father. Together they brave the cold as they walk down the dirt road that leads to the beach. Lakin‘s understated story reminds readers that sometimes the best way to communicate doesn‘t involve words, while Steele’s watercolor illustrations show that beauty is never far away.

Dancing Hands: A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language

Joanna Que

Sam’s new neighbors’ hands make graceful movements she doesn’t recognize, and she wonders what they are saying. Soon she meets her new neighbor, Mai, who teaches Sam some Filipino Sign Language. Along the way, they both discover the joys of making a new friend, a best friend.

Deafintitely Awesome: The Story of Acorn

Mary L. Motley

Acorn is completely out of control when he is brought to the city kennel. Cute as he is, no-one wants to adopt him because he just won’t listen. But then an experienced volunteer named Mary decides to take him home – just for a night - to give the kennel staff a break. That’s when she discovers that Acorn doesn’t listen because Acorn can’t hear. Acorn is profoundly deaf.

Resources

News story about Acorn, the deaf dog

Diary of a Hard of Hearing Kid

Isaiah John Baier

This book gives readers a glimpse into the life of Isaiah Baier, a very normal, yet extraordinary, hearing impaired kid. After losing his hearing to meningitis at 20 months old, Isaiah began a harrowing journey through both trial and triumph. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and be inspired as Isaiah recounts every day circumstances from his own remarkable 11 year old perspective.

Dina the Deaf Dinosaur

Carol Addabbo

Drawing upon feelings from the author‘s own childhood, DINA THE DEAF DINOSAUR tells the endearing story of Dina, a deaf dinosaur, who runs away from home because her parents would not let her learn sign language. In the woods she befriends Otto the Owl, Moliere the Mole, and Camilla the Chipmunk. Originally published in hardcover in 1998, and available in paperback for the first time, the author of this unique and important children‘s book is Carole Addabbo, a teacher of sign language, an actress, and mother of a teenage son. Addabbo has been deaf since birth. The 16 illustrations are original watercolors by Valentine, a fine artist and weaver.

Emma Everyday (Series)

C. L. Reid

Emma Carter loves swimming, writing, and biking. She also loves her pet goldfish and tacos. In general, Emma loves her life! Emma is Deaf and uses her cochlear implant to help he hear. She uses sign language too. Every day is a new chance to have fun, and Emma does just that by conquering daily challenges with a positive and nonstop determination.

Greenie

Josette Robinson

This is the story of Marina, a young girl who is deaf. In school, all the other kids make fun of her and never invite her to play or do anything with them because she is different. Marina befriends a frog that signs, who is also going through issues in his "frog" life. The journey begins on the friendship between Marina and Greenie ( the frog) . They teach each other how to overcome the harshness of not being accepted in a World where most people can hear. The story is fun and moving and brings awareness of those that are different and how we grow to accept others that are different in our lives. Marina and her family go through this amazing journey together with the help of a little green frog that signs....Greenie.

Hands and Hearts

Donna Jo Napoli

A mother and daughter spend a sunny day at the beach together where they swim, dance, build sandcastles, and, most importantly, communicate. But their communication is not spoken; rather, it is created by loving hands that use American Sign Language.

Readers will learn how to sign 15 words using American Sign Language with the help of sidebars that are both instructive and playful. And the beautifully illustrated beach scenes will appeal both to the deaf community and to hearing parents and children, who will enjoy this gentle introduction to some basic words in ASL. Hands & Hearts is a picture book unlike any other, revealing the special bond between mother and child.

Harmony Hears a Hoot

Fara Augustover

Harmony Hears a Hoot is a children‘s book about a young owl name Harmony who relates to kids with and without hearing loss and teaches tolerance with her adventures! Follow Harmony on her first day of school as she meets new friends, enjoys her classes, and teaches everyone what it‘s like to have something unique about themselves. This book is appropriate for children with hearing aids, cochlear implants, BAHA, and more. It‘s also recommended for adults with hearing loss and devices to assist in explaining them to children.

Let‘s Hear It for Almigal

Wendy Kupfer

This fun and original picture book introduces Almigal, a spunky little girl with hearing loss who is now determined to hear every single sound in the universe thanks to her new cotton candy pink cochlear implants. These sounds include a baby’s funny giggle, the robin’s chirps outside the window, the soft song played during ballet class, and especially her best friend Chloe’s teeny-tiny voice. But most of all, Almigal wants to hear her parents whisper to her when they tuck her into bed every night. Almigal’s spirit will have both children and parents alike rooting for her, while the story delivers a positive message about accepting and celebrating differences.

Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion

Shannon Stocker

A gorgeous and empowering picture book biography about Evelyn Glennie, a deaf woman, who became the first full-time solo percussionist in the world.

"No. You can‘t," people said.

But Evelyn knew she could. She had found her own way to listen.

From the moment Evelyn Glennie heard her first note, music held her heart. She played the piano by ear at age eight, and the clarinet by age ten. But soon, the nerves in her ears began to deteriorate, and Evelyn was told that, as a deaf girl, she could never be a musician. What sounds Evelyn couldn’thear with her ears, though, she could feel resonate through her body as if she, herself, were a drum. And the music she created was extraordinary. Evelyn Glennie had learned how to listen in a new way. And soon, the world was listening too.

Resources

Video of deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie showing how she feels sound (English)

Listening to the Quiet

Cassie Silva

Jacki's mama has a rare condition. She is slowly losing her hearing. Together, they are learning Sign Language so that they'll always be able to tell each other everything. But as Mama's world becomes quieter, Jacki's remains full of sound, especially on Music Appreciation Fridays. How can Jacki enjoy listening to music when her mama can no longer hear it?

Maxi’s Super Ears

Maggie Klein

This is the story of the time a brave, young boy got his first set of hearing aids. Join Maxi on his journey into the world of hearing, where he learns to accept each other for what makes us unique. When he learns to embrace differences, he is introduced to a world of love and friendship!

Mighty Mila

Katie Petruzziello

Mila may be a kid, but she can act pretty grown up…at least that’s what she thinks. The trouble is, Mila’s parents still treat her like she’s little, so she’s decided to prove once and for all that she can do things “all on her own!” But when it turns out that being a big kid isn’t as easy as she thought, will Mila admit defeat, or will she find a way to prove just how big and mighty she really is?

Readers of all ages will love Mila’s spitfire personality and imaginative approach to overcoming obstacles, and will cheer her on as she uses her creativity, her willpower, and even her new cochlear implant hearing devices to face down challenges.

Mila Gets Her Super Ears

Ashley Machovac

Come join Mila and her family on their journey as they navigate the world of hearing loss, hearing aids and cochlear implants! Mila refers on her new born hearing screening, and her family begins to navigate this new world. After two years, Mila’s hearing drops and she quickly becomes a candidate for cochlear implants. Her family does not know what to expect, and neither does Mila. We touch on an ABR, initial diagnosis, the listening booth, the cochlear implant procedure and the multiple therapies that our children with hearing loss require all in a positive way. The characters are happy and curious; the illustrations are colorful and lighthearted and the language is easy to understand and relatable.This is Mila’s journey to cochlear implantation. With her family by her side, she can do anything.

Moses Goes to a Concert (series)

Isaac Millman

Moses and his school friends are deaf, but like most children, they have a lot to say. They communicate in American Sigh Language, using visual signs and facial expressions. This is called signing. And even though they can‘t hear, they can enjoy many activities through their other senses. Today, Moses and his classmates are going to a concert. Their teacher, Mr. Samuels, has two surprises in store for them, to make this particular concert a special event.

You can learn sign language, too! At the end of the book are two full conversations in sign language and a page showing the hand alphabet.

My Deaf Friend Can Do Anything You Can Do

Tanesha Ausby

My Deaf Friend Can Do Anything You Can Do is an African American children’s book for all ages that celebrates tolerance and acceptance. This story features a young deaf girl and her hearing friend who convey a tale about the misunderstandings of people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This book helps readers to clearly understand that deaf people can do the same tasks that others can do. In essence, My Deaf Friend Can Do Anything You Can Do helps to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing community by giving a better, more accurate understanding of a deaf person’s life, abilities, and talents. Besides, this story also highlights aspects of bullying and promotes empathy for all. Throughout this book readers will notice different sign language signs as they read. This book encourages others to learn sign language and open their minds and hearts to the beauty of diversity!

Next Door

Deborah Kerbel

In this wordless picture book, a Deaf boy and his mother enjoy a walk through their community. Together, they greet their neighbors, stop by the playground, spy a bird’s nest in a tree and buy cookies at the grocery store. Later, they visit their new neighbors, a woman and her daughter, who have only recently immigrated from another country. Although the girl is shy, and the two kids speak different languages — American Sign Language (ASL) and Arabic — find a way to communicate and become fast friends.

Proud to be Deaf

Lilli Beese

Ava is like any other 7-year-old. She likes to talk and laugh with her friends, is obsessed with dogs and loves being active. Ava is also deaf - and she‘s proud of it. She loves her deaf community, that she‘s bilingual, and that she experiences the world differently from hearing people.

Ranvir Cannot Hear

Genevieve Yusuf

Ranvir Cannot Hear is a magical story set in the plains of India and is about a little elephant who goes on a long journey in search of his hearing. On his travels he meets some wonderful friends along the way who can’t do certain things but tell him about the things that they can! Ranvir even finds out he has a special talent too... This is a beautifully illustrated children’s story with a message of inclusion and empowerment. Learn to find out what you can do and don’t worry about what you can’t.

Rebekah’s Superpower

Emma Bilyk

A children‘s book to help deaf and hard of hearing kiddos be empowered and have language for self advocacy. Rebekah is a little girl born with microtia and wears a BAHA to help her hear. Hearing aids give you super powers!

Rosa’s Parrot

Jan Wahl

Rosa is hard of hearing and she relies on her parrot, Pico, to repeat things loudly for her, but sometimes Pico takes advantage of Rosa to create mischief.

Secret Signs: An Escape Through the Underground Railroad

Anita Riggio

In the mid-1800s, a boy and his mother help support themselves by making panoramic eggs of maple sugar. The boy, Luke, who is deaf, paints pictures that fit neatly inside the eggs. When a man bursts into their home and accuses them of hiding slaves, Luke‘s mother can honestly deny the charge. But she is that very day planning to meet their contact on the Underground Railroad to pass along information regarding the next "safe haven." Luke‘s mother is held at home, but the boy is courageous and resourceful in using his creative talents to help make the connection.

Resources

Did You Know That?! Harriet Tubman Biting the Bullet in ASL video

Shay and Ivy: Beyond the Kingdom

Sheena McFeely

The first book is about Shay & Ivy and their friends, at an imaginary ball in their bedroom, dreaming of being princesses. They all dreamt of riding horses, owning closets full of gowns, and dancing in royal castles. All girls, but Shay felt out of place. How was she to royally fit in if she did not want to be a princess anymore?

Resources

Interview with the author in ASL

Shayla Boo and You: All About My Hearing Book

Vielka Lisa Montout M.Ed.

Shayla Boo is an 8 year old girl with a bilateral hearing loss. She is friendly, funny, and a great athlete. She wants to share all about her hearing loss with you. Shayla explains her hearing loss, anatomy of the ear and how to read an audiogram. Do you have a hearing loss? Do you know what type of hearing loss you have? Do you know how to read your audiogram? If not, you will after reading Shayla Boo and You.

You are going to love this interactive book.

Sky the Deaf Homerun Hero

Mickey Carolan

Young Sky is a boy who was born deaf, but it doesn’t stop him from doing what he loves most: playing baseball. Eager and determined, he works hard on his skills until he notices that, swing after swing, every ball is hit, soaring out of the ballpark like an eagle…Sky has a superpower! Not hearing enables him to focus on the ball and hit home runs with ease. But when the bullies try to bring him down, baseball gives him the courage to face them and win them over, and “with every home run, a bully becomes a friend.”

So Much More to Helen! The Passions and Pursuits of Helen Keller

Meeg Pincus

We all know Helen Keller's story--but what else do you know about her? Did you know she was an activist, a rebel, a performer, a romantic… and so much more! Most stories about Helen Keller focus on the story of her deaf-blindness and scholarship, but there is more to Helen than her disability. This bouncy, rhyming story is an excellent tool for teaching children to see beyond the surface with everyone they encounter.

Sophie’s Tales (series)

Melanie Paticoff

Sophie‘s Tales: Overcoming Obstacles is the second adventure in the Sophie‘s Tales series about a little dog with hearing loss who uses a cochlear implant to hear. In Overcoming Obstacles, Sophie is ready to hit the agility course and make some new friends. She meets Champ, a glasses-wearing Labradoodle who is confident he will be the agility champion. Will Champ be the winner or can Sophie help him learn that sometimes winning isn‘t the only way to have fun?

The Sound of All Things

Myron Uhlberg

A Brooklyn family takes an outing to Coney Island, where they enjoy the rides, the food, and the sights. The father longs to know how everything sounds. Though his son does his best to interpret their noisy surroundings through sign language, he struggles to convey the subtle differences between the "loud" of the ocean and the "loud" of a roller coaster.

When the family drops in at the library after dinner, the boy makes a discovery. Perhaps the words he needs are within reach, after all.

Resources

Interview with the author (English)

Sound Switch Wonder

Dr. Christine J Ko and Owen Whang

Most people either can or cannot hear sound . . . but some people can do both! Meet a deaf boy with cochlear implants as he moves about his day. Sometimes he prefers not to hear, but when he wants to connect with the hearing world, he puts on his cochlear implants. Can he explain to his hearing parents what the absence of sound is like? Suddenly he has an idea of how to share this part of him with those he loves.

Super Hearing (Super Book Series)

Jennifer Whitehead

Super Hearing is a celebration of life with hearing aids, here to educate and encourage acceptance in every form. A kind and inclusive story, this book combines a child‘s first-person experience living with hearing aids, with beautiful illustrations to connect kids of all hearing ranges.

Formerly Super Ears

The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game

Nancy Churnin

All William Ellsworth Hoy wanted to do was play baseball. After losing out on a spot on the local deaf team, William practiced even harder―eventually earning a position on a professional team. But his struggle was far from over. In addition to the prejudice Hoy faced, he could not hear the umpires' calls. One day he asked the umpire to use hand signals: strike, ball, out. That day he not only got on base but also changed the way the game was played forever. William ""Dummy"" Hoy became one of the greatest and most beloved players of his time.

Zola Gets Hearing Aids

Narita Snead

Zola has a problem. She does not hear as well as other kids. Today is the day she goes to the doctor, a special doctor, to check her hearing. Zola is worried because she has heard all about those kids who do not hear well. Her greatest fear is having to wear a hearing aid. She is worried about how her friends will react if she has to get a hearing aid and wear it to school. Will they tease her? Will she be bullied or will they accept her and still be her friend? Not sure about what the day will bring, with great sadness and frustration, she pushes back her blanket and gets out of the bed to go to the doctor’s office.